Counseling
Our mission is to provide a comprehensive guidance program that will empower all students in developing the academic skills, personal growth, and positive relationships needed to become successful leaders. Every student has the ability to reach their potential with the support of educators, parents, guardians, and other community partnerships.
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Meet our team!
Nancy Garcia Puhvel
Hi Branciforte Bees! My name is Nancy Garcia Puhvel and I am so happy to serve as your student’s school counselor. I have been at Branciforte Middle since 2018 and have also worked within the district at the high school and elementary level since 2007. I thoroughly enjoy working with middle school aged students. Middle school can be challenging, fun, and rewarding at the same time. There is so much growth happening! I enjoy getting to know all of our students and helping them with their social emotional needs and academic goals.
As a Counselor and first-generation college graduate, I understand the necessity for youth to have access to supportive educators that will not only be positive role models but also strong advocates in their academic and personal growth. I am bilingual in Spanish and take pride in connecting with families of diverse backgrounds.
My goal is to help our students build up their character, self-confidence, and motivation to succeed and be the best version of themselves. I look forward to meeting with you. I am on campus Monday through Friday.
Please feel free to reach out to me either by email or phone!
(831) 429-3883 x52124
nancygpuhvel@sccs.net
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Ashley Ramirez
Hello Branciforte Bees,
My name is Ashley Ramirez and I am one of the School Counselors at Branciforte Middle. I am so excited to support our B40 students, families, and staff. Middle school is a time of growth and change, and I’m grateful to support students through their journey. My goal is to create a safe space where they feel heard, supported, and prepared for their future.
I am at B40 on Tuesdays and Fridays, and I look forward to working with your students and families. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever have any questions or just want to connect, I am happy to support!
(831)429-3883 x52221
Rhiannon Soto, LPCC – Mental Health Specialist
I provide mental health counseling and support services for students at Branciforte Middle School, including individual counseling, crisis support, referrals, and substance use prevention. Students can self-refer, and families can request services through our website or counseling office.
With a background in trauma-informed care and experience supporting queer, questioning, gender-diverse, and neurodiverse youth, I’m committed to creating a safe, stigma-free space on campus. I also lead several student groups that build connection and community, including Muskequeers (LGBTQ+ & Ally Club), The Ausome Group, Dungeons and Dragons, and more.
(831)429-3883 x52309
What types of supportive programs are offered?
The Middle School Counseling program is designed to focus on improving school climate, social adjustment, and improving academic performance. Grade level programs focus on academic, careers, college and social/emotional development.
Some of the program components include:
All Grades:
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Anti-bullying month
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Self-care planning
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College awareness week
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Goal setting (academic & personal)
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Building school connectedness
6th Grade:
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5-6th grade transition planning
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Second Step—Social Emotional learning curriculum
7th Grade:
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College & Career exploration
8th Grade:
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Mindfulness curriculum
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A-G requirements
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8th –9th Grade transition planning
Why would I see a school counselor?
For Students:
Students may see the counselor for small group and individual counseling to assist with a variety of concerns and problems, including:
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Friendships
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Family
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Problem solving
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Academic support
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Grief and loss
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Conflict resolution
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Trauma support
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Emotional support (i.e. feelings of sadness/suicide prevention)
For Parents:
If a parent has an academic, social, or personal concern about their child, they are encouraged to contact the counseling office. The counseling office will help to arrange parent- teacher meetings, small group or individual counseling, as well as outside referrals to appropriate community resources.
How can I see a school counselor?
Students can see the counselor in any of the following ways:
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Self-referral
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Request of the counselor
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Parent referral
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Administrative referral
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Teacher or staff referral
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Referral by friend(s)
There are two counseling self-referral boxes. One is located outside of the counseling offices and the other is inside the library. There are forms to complete to drop in for the request.